Molecular analysis of photic inhibition of blood-feeding in Anopheles gambiae.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes exhibit an endophilic, nocturnal blood feeding behavior. Despite the importance of light as a regulator of malaria transmission, our knowledge on the molecular interactions between environmental cues, the circadian oscillators and the host seeking and feeding systems of the Anopheles mosquitoes is limited.

Results

In the present study, we show that the blood feeding behavior of mosquitoes is under circadian control and can be modulated by light pulses, both in a clock dependent and in an independent manner. Short light pulses (approximately 2-5 min) in the dark phase can inhibit the blood-feeding propensity of mosquitoes momentarily in a clock independent manner, while longer durations of light stimulation (approximately 1-2 h) can ind

SUBMITTER: Das S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2646746 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature